Axminster Tools has been honoured with the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses who are leading the way with pioneering products or services.

The King’s Award for Enterprise

Previously known as The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, The King’s Award for Enterprise reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. Successful businesses are able to use the esteemed King’s Award Emblem for the next five years.


UJK and Parf

The King’s Award for Enterprise was awarded to Axminster Tools for our own brand UJK Parf Mk II Guide System. Based on Pythagoras' theorem, the UJK Parf Mk II Guide System was developed in collaboration with Master Craftsman, Peter Parfitt. Peter approached us with his idea for a versatile jig system for building custom bench tops, portable cutting boards and replacement MFT tops.

We worked with Peter to develop his idea. After many months of prototyping and testing, we produced a system that guarantees accuracy and eliminates any chance of cumulative error. The accuracy of the system is dependent on the very tight tolerances. This is achieved with high quality engineering and the use of the very best materials.

I am so grateful that Axminster Tools had the courage to take my design ideas and turn them into a super product that sells all over the world. This is a wonderful achievement that reflects the strength of our partnership.

Peter Parfitt
L-R: Tim Styles (Product Expert, Axminster Tools) and Peter Parfitt
L-R: Tim Styles (Product Expert, Axminster Tools) and Peter Parfitt

Distinctly innovative

The UJK Parf Mk II Guide System has been developed under the UJK brand. With a focus on British manufacturing, the vast majority of UJK products are proudly designed, developed and manufactured here in Axminster, Devon. Precisely engineered with jaw-dropping accuracy, the beauty is truly in the detail when it comes to this range.

Performance meets precision

UJK is disrupting the joinery market and leading the way in woodworking innovation.

Explore the full range


Investing in the future

Last year we celebrated 50 years of trading. While it's important to celebrate our past and remember how far we've come, it's vital we invest in the future. Manufacturing at Axminster Tools has recently undergone significant investment, meaning we can manufacture more products in-house than ever before. Including the award winning UJK Parf Mk II Guide System.

We are delighted to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Whilst we source products from across the UK and all over the world, we take particular pride in the manufacture of a growing range of our own products in Axminster, Devon.

As a British retailer, we're proud to support British design, quality and innovation and we’re thrilled to have been recognised in this category. It’s a wonderful achievement and a testament to the resilience of the company and our employees through these unprecedented times.

Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)

Alan Styles

The award presentation

A Grant of Appointment and trophy will be presented at the Axminster Tools headquarters by His Majesty The King’s personal representative the Lord-Lieutenant, later this year.

Applications for King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 open on His Majesty The King’s Coronation, 6th May 2023. For more information, visit gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.

Axminster Tools has been honoured with the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses who are leading the way with pioneering products or services. The King’s Award for Enterprise Previously known as The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, The King’s Award for Enterprise reflects His Majesty The King’s…

The teams at Axminster Tools are built from industry professionals, craftspeople and passionate woodworkers. We work hard to ensure their knowledge is freely accessible - and now, we want to take that one step further. We're offering an exciting opportunity for one aspiring woodworker to come and spend the day with our tutors.

Axminster Tools Skills Development Programme

This initiative is aimed at people at the beginning of a career in woodworking or those who wish to develop a specialist skill to support their existing career.


Kam's story

Receiving a place on the Skills Development Programme in 2023 was Kam Longia from Gloucestershire. A few years ago, Kam took the plunge and left a corporate high flying career behind, to pursue a passion for woodwork.

He went on to join the Nailsworth Community Workshop, a not for profit organisation and community space for all that, that offers affordable, community led craft workshops.

Discover Kam's story and hear all about his experience with our tutors at Axminster Tools HQ in this video.


Specialist skills development

The programme will be tailored to the individual, depending on which skills they wish to focus on. Our team of woodworking tutors will work with the winner to come up with a day long course that could cover one in-depth skill or a combined session covering a range of woodworking skills.

Visit Axminster Tools HQ

The skills development programme will take place at the Axminster Tools headquarters, in our designated workshops kitted out with all the very best tools and the latest machinery. Axminster is a small, Devon market town, not far from the picturesque coastal towns of Lyme Regis and Sidmouth. We will cover the cost of accommodation for anyone who has to travel for more than two hours.

Meet the tutors

Colwin Way

Colwin has been a woodturning tutor with Axminster Tools since 1998 and a professional turner for over 30 years. His interest in woodturning started at school where he first had the chance to use a lathe and he has been turning ever since.

Jason Breach

Jason was introduced to woodturning at the age of 12. By 15 he attended a woodturning course with Cecil Jordan where he discovered the art of turning a wooden box. He pursued his interest in woodwork and gained a BA (Hons) degree in Furniture Design & Management. He worked for several years making furniture and bespoke kitchens, allowing him to hone and develop his skills.

Jason Breach

Ben Beddows

Ben's eye for all things creative is second to none. He's never happier than when he's demonstrating and encouraging people to unlock their own creativity. Known for his pyrography, carving and pen turning skills in particular, Ben has a vast knowledge of all things woodwork.

Ben Beddows in the Craft workshop

How to apply

PLEASE NOTE: We are not currently taking applications for the programme - please check regularly on our social media channels for announcements relating to the launch of the next round of applications.

Criteria: There are no restrictions, however, applicants will need to describe how attending the programme will benefit their future woodworking career or support their existing career.

To help us get to know you we would like you to submit a short video application, no longer than five minutes. Tell us your name, your age, when you became interested in woodworking, what experience you have and how the Axminster Tools Development Programme will support your woodworking career. We would also love to see some examples of your work if you have any and hear if there are any skills, in particular, you wish to work on.

Instagram

  1. Record your application video
  2. Upload the video to Instagram, tag @axminstertools and use #AxminsterToolsSkillsDevelopment

Go to Instagram

Email

  1. Record your application video
  2. Email it to communitiescommittee@axminstertools.com
  3. If your video is too big to attach, email communitiescommittee@axminstertools.com and request a MailBigFile link

If you are unable to record a video you may submit a written application. Please answer the same questions above and include relevant supporting materials e.g. images. Applications for the Skills Development Programme close on 7th July 2023 and the first programme will take place in the summer/autumn of 2023.


Community Grant

Alongside the Skills Development Programme and as part of our commitment to supporting woodworking communities, we're also launching a brand new £2,000 Axminster Tools Community Grant.


Terms & Conditions

  • Axminster Tools requires your age as part of your application for insurance purposes;
  • Applicants under 18 will need parental or guardian permission to apply;
  • Applicants under the age of 18 will need to attend the programme with their parent or guardian;
  • Axminster Tools will cover the cost of accommodation for the participant. The participant will need to arrange and cover the cost of their own travel;
  • Only one application per person is permitted;
  • This programme is open to UK residents only;
  • By applying for this programme, you represent and warrant that you own the content you are submitting and there are no other applicants with ownership claims over it;
  • Axminster Tools employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the programme;
  • Any applications with abusive, threatening or offensive language will be removed, blocked and will not be eligible for the programme;
  • Once we have confirmed the programme attendee, we will aim to deliver the programme within 60 days;
  • This promotion is not connected to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram nor is it sponsored, supported or organised by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram;
  • By applying for this programme, you agree to have your name, location, video and entry featured in the promotion of this grant and any future Axminster Tools promotional material;
  • The applications for this round of the Axminster Tools Skills Development Programme closes at midnight on 07/07/2023;
  • There is no purchase necessary to apply, but standard broadband rates apply.

The teams at Axminster Tools are built from industry professionals, craftspeople and passionate woodworkers. We work hard to ensure their knowledge is freely accessible – and now, we want to take that one step further. We’re offering an exciting opportunity for one aspiring woodworker to come and spend the day with our tutors. This initiative is aimed at people at…

As part of our commitment to supporting woodworking communities, we award an annual £2,000 Axminster Tools Community Grant.

We've spent more than 50 years building our Axminster Tools community and sharing a passion for all things creative. We've met countless people committing their time and sharing their skills to raise awareness for woodworking crafts and the benefits of creativity. Together, they work tirelessly to change lives while ensuring these much loved, traditional crafts are around for people to enjoy for generations.

By highlighting these wonderful communities we can help raise awareness for key social issues within woodworking. We also want to reward and celebrate these groups who often get very little recognition or support.

Axminster Tools Community Grant

Three woodworking related charities or non-profit organisations are awarded a share of the £2,000 Axminster Tools Community Grant, divided into three separate funds of £1,250, £500 and £250 Axminster Tools vouchers.


Meet our 2023 Community Grant Winners

Oldbury Cottage Care Farm

Recipients of the £1,250 voucher


Video produced with thanks by Nuneaton Prince's Trust team 

Up the Garden Bath

Up the Garden Bath were the recipients of the 2023 £500 voucher. The community interest group take unwanted waste materials that would usually end up in landfill such as old bathtubs and upcycle them into educational garden planters and accessories. Since launching in 2020 the team have installed over 50 upcycled bathtub planters in schools, community centres and residential care homes. Up the Garden Bath use their planters to educate people about recycling and sustainability and have delivered workshops to over 10,000 children of varying ages and abilities.

Woodhub CIC

Newcastle based Woodhub CIC are an inclusive workshop who provide opportunities for people with additional needs including learning and physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and people suffering with mental health and social anxiety. The team at Wood Hub promotes independence, creativity and the sharing of skills through woodworking. Woodhub CIC were awarded the £250 voucher to support them as they continue to build their workshop.

With thanks to all of the wonderful communities who applied for the 2023 grant. It was a difficult decision for the Axminster Tools Communities Committee. Please apply again for the 2024 grant, we loved hearing your stories.


Share your passion

Are you part of a charity or non-profit organisation using woodworking to support the community? We want to tell your story so that you can connect and share experiences with each other. By shining a spotlight on the great work you do, we can inspire others too.

What's more, every year, three communities will be awarded a share of £2,000 in Axminster Tools vouchers.


How to apply

Criteria: Applicants should be a charity or non-profit community organisation where woodworking is a main focus.

Share your story with us in a short video, no more than five minutes, explaining what you do, how you support your community and why the grant would help.

Instagram

  1. Record your story in a video
  2. Upload the video to Instagram, tag @axminstertools and use #AxminsterToolsCommunity

Go to Instagram

Email

  1. Record your application video
  2. Email it to communitiescommittee@axminstertools.com
  3. If your video is too big to attach, email communitiescommittee@axminstertools.com and request a MailBigFile link

If you are unable to record a video you may submit a written application. Please answer the same questions above and include relevant supporting materials e.g. images. Applications close on September 27th 2024 and winners will be announced early 2025. 


Skills Development Programme

Alongside the grant, we also offer the Axminster Tools Skills Development Programme, recognising new woodworking talent and rewarding them with the opportunity to learn from us. Every six months we'll choose one budding woodworker to come and spend the day with our Axminster Tools experts.


Terms & Conditions

  • Entrants under 18 will need parental or guardian permission to enter;
  • Only one entry per group is permitted;
  • Entries that are discovered to come from the same group will result in disqualification;
  • Duplicate content taken from other sites will not be allowed and will result in removal and disqualification;
  • This grant is open to UK residents only;
  • By applying for this grant, you represent and warrant that you own the content you are submitting and there are no other applicants with ownership claims over it;
  • Axminster Tools employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the grant;
  • Any entries with abusive, threatening or offensive language will be removed, blocked and will not be eligible for the grant;
  • Once we have confirmed the grant recipients, we will aim to deliver the vouchers within 14 days;
  • This promotion is not connected to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram nor is it sponsored, supported or organised by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram;
  • By applying for this grant, you agree to have your name, location, video and entry featured in the promotion of this grant and any future Axminster Tools promotional material;
  • The applications for this round of the Axminster Tools Community Grant closes at midnight on 29/09/2024;
  • There is no purchase necessary to apply, but standard broadband rates apply.

As part of our commitment to supporting woodworking communities, we award an annual £2,000 Axminster Tools Community Grant. We’ve spent more than 50 years building our Axminster Tools community and sharing a passion for all things creative. We’ve met countless people committing their time and sharing their skills to raise awareness for woodworking crafts and the benefits of creativity. Together,…

Edinburgh based luthier Jonathan Hill won the inaugural Heritage Crafts Woodworker of the Year Award. Jonathan collected his £2,000 prize and trophy at a special presentation at the House of Lords last month.

Heritage Crafts

Heritage Crafts was set up 13 years ago as a national charity to support and safeguard heritage crafts skills and has become well known for its Red List of Endangered Crafts. It's the first research of its kind to rank traditional crafts in the UK by the likelihood they would survive the next generation.


Woodworker of the Year

The new award sponsored by Axminster Tools celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of woodworking. It recognises a contribution that is far beyond the ordinary, based on a proven dedication to a particular woodworking skill.

Jonathan is a maker of historic and modern stringed instruments. Following training at West Dean College, he worked for a master violin maker in Yorkshire. He later studied instrument making in Turkey with a master traditional oud maker. Many of Jonathan’s clients are from leading orchestras and ensembles worldwide. Notably, The Kreutzer Quartet, BBC Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, Rietveld Ensemble and Musica Alchemica. He is the only maker in the UK specialising in Violas d’amore. Moreover, he has now made more consecutive instruments than any other maker, living and historically.

jonathan-hill-woodworking

Safeguarding craft skills

woodworker-of the-year-trophy-2022
Woodworker of the Year trophy - hand carved by Sarah Goss

Managing Director of Axminster Tools, Alan Styles, was a judge for the award. He said "Heritage Crafts' dedication to safeguarding craft skills and knowledge fits perfectly with our own commitment to helping to uphold a successful future for the woodworking industry; so that our much loved traditional woodworking crafts can be enjoyed for many generations to come. 

We believe the benefits of celebrating talented and passionate craftspeople are far-reaching and we're proud to be in the fortunate position to sponsor the Woodworker of the Year Award. Many congratulations to Jonathan and all of the incredible craftspeople making such valuable contributions to woodworking."

Alan was joined by fellow judges Sarah Goss and Robin Wood MBE. A traditional woodcarver, Sarah featured as one of the experts in the recent Prince’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation programme on Sky Arts. Robin is an internationally respected green woodworker who re-established the craft of pole-lathe bowl turning in the 1990s.


Runners up

The two other finalists for the 2022 Woodworker of the Year Award were Robin Johnson and David Robinson. Robin produces tailor-made joinery, furniture and metalwork from his workshop in Hastings. David Robinson is a self-taught woodcarver with 30 years’ experience and the Master Carvers’ Association’s most recent inductee.

Edinburgh based luthier Jonathan Hill won the inaugural Heritage Crafts Woodworker of the Year Award. Jonathan collected his £2,000 prize and trophy at a special presentation at the House of Lords last month. Heritage Crafts Heritage Crafts was set up 13 years ago as a national charity to support and safeguard heritage crafts skills and has become well known for…

Woodworking is at the heart of everything we do, but engineering is in our bones. Axminster Tools began life 50 years ago when the founding family struggled to get tools for their engineering business and so they decided to open a tool shop. The focus quickly turned to woodworking but it wasn’t long before engineering became a key part of the business again, when in around 1986 Axminster Tools began manufacturing its own range of woodturning chucks. Fast forward several decades and we now stock more of our own manufactured products than any other brand.


Made in Axminster

Manufacturing at Axminster Tools has recently undergone significant investment, meaning we can design, develop and manufacture more products in-house than ever before. The journey to producing our own products started with just a few engineering machines. Now we run a state of the art manufacturing facility onsite at the company HQ in Axminster, Devon. We asked our product developers, engineers and the family behind the business to share this journey from the very beginning.

Products to last a lifetime

There are substantial benefits to manufacturing in-house; we have complete control over quality resulting in precise engineering and jaw dropping accuracy. We can be truly innovative with our designs, delivering new technologies that you won’t find anywhere else. We believe high quality engineering and manufacturing is what sets Axminster made products apart and woodworkers around the world agree. For us, it’s not always about offering the cheapest product, it’s about quality and innovation. We want our products to last a long time and, where possible, a lifetime.


What woodworkers say

Axminster Woodturning Chucks

The quality of manufacture shows through the moment you take it out of the box. Once on the lathe you really begin to see why you spent the extra money.

See our Chucks

Axminster Woodturning Evolution SK100 Chuck

Axminster Woodturning Chuck Jaws

Exactly what you expect from Axminster, the quality and engineering is superb.

See our Jaws

Axminster Woodturning Button Jaws

UJK Parf MKII Guide System

The design, machining, repeatability and accuracy on this jig is pure perfection.

UJK Universal Dovetail Jig

A professional tool and exceptional manufacturing.

UJK Super Dog

Great concept, design and engineering. Not many products are built to this high standard any more.


The future of manufacturing at Axminster Tools

Whilst we source products from all over the world, producing British manufactured products is important, and for us, made in Axminster is paramount. With the recent investment in manufacturing at Axminster Tools, there are a lot of exciting developments and innovative new products in the pipeline.

Woodworking is at the heart of everything we do, but engineering is in our bones. Axminster Tools began life 50 years ago when the founding family struggled to get tools for their engineering business and so they decided to open a tool shop. The focus quickly turned to woodworking but it wasn’t long before engineering became a key part of…

A new year means new projects and ideas to inspire your woodworking!

As we welcome 2023, the Woodworking Wisdom team has been busy selecting some new projects for you to try. From delicate joinery techniques, to carving, routing, and of course woodturning, there is something for every kind of woodworker.

Join Colwin as he explains the common woodturning errors that a beginner can make, as he is joined by our own beginner, Stephanie Beddows. And with sharpening tips from Jason, and wood carving projects from Ben, January is the ideal time to try something new.

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our January dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live, but are recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com


Your January Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 3rd Take up Woodturning: Beginner's Top Tips (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 5th Joinery Techniques: Make a Japanese Lantern (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 10th Christmas Tree Challenge with Colwin
Thursday 12th Carve a Musical Instrument (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 17th Make a Rice Bowl and Chopsticks (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 19th Woodturning with Gabriel Clark
Tuesday 24th Scroll Saw a Mosaic Lizard with Ben
Thursday 26th Sharpening Tips with Veritas featuring Richard Wile (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 31st Carve a Traditional Kuksa Cup (YouTube Premiere)

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

A new year means new projects and ideas to inspire your woodworking! As we welcome 2023, the Woodworking Wisdom team has been busy selecting some new projects for you to try. From delicate joinery techniques, to carving, routing, and of course woodturning, there is something for every kind of woodworker. Join Colwin as he explains the common woodturning errors that…

The Woodworking Wisdom team returns this month, doing what they do best.

Tune in throughout December for a host of different projects, with something for every kind of woodworker. So whether it’s woodturning you're into, resin casting, or you need some simple tool maintenance tips, we’ve got you covered.

How to watch

We’ll bring you sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our December dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live, but are recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Thursday 1st Scroll Saw Candle Arch Project Pt 2 with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 6th Banksia Nuts and Resin Projects with Colwin
Thursday 8th Christmas Eve Plate for Santa with Jason and Ben
Tuesday 13th Turned Table Skittles with Colwin
Thursday 15th How to Make Table Trivets with Jason
Tuesday 20th Make a Button Box with Jason
Thursday 22nd Scrap Wood Vases with Ben
Tuesday 27th Resin Casting Pen Blanks with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 29th Get to Know Your New Tools with Jason (YouTube Premiere)

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It’s your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

The Woodworking Wisdom team returns this month, doing what they do best. Tune in throughout December for a host of different projects, with something for every kind of woodworker. So whether it’s woodturning you’re into, resin casting, or you need some simple tool maintenance tips, we’ve got you covered. What is YouTube Premiere? Some of our December dates have YouTube…

Axminster Tools began life 50 years ago in the rural market town of Axminster in East Devon. In an age before computers, when virtually all jobs were done manually, two sons joined their father and together they opened a high street shop. The early years were hard; the hours were long and at times it was difficult to make ends meet. A passion for great craftsmanship and a job well done got them through and before long, the family business earned a reputation as a trusted tool shop run by friendly and knowledgeable experts, with a service second to none. The rest is history, as they say, but we couldn't let 50 years pass us by without celebrating our heritage. Let's look back at some of the milestones that have taken Axminster Tools from a small high street shop to the global mail order business it is today.


Axminster Tools Timeline

The Axminster Tools story

Who better to tell our story than the family behind the business? We gathered them together to talk about how it all began, passing the baton to the next generation and the vision for the future of Axminster Tools.


We share your passion

So much has changed and yet our roots remain firmly embedded in a passion for woodworking, a sense of family belonging and a set of values that ensure we always put the customer first.

Whilst we celebrate our past, it's important to look to the future. We do what we do to support a sustainable future for Axminster Tools, the woodworking industry and the communities we engage with. 

My family taught us the value of hard work and never giving up on your goals. We too will work hard to live up to the high standards set over the past 50 years. When you work together anything is possible and together we will continue to grow our woodworking community; so we all have a place to share our passion.

Alan Styles, Managing Director, Axminster Tools.

Our 50th year

To celebrate 50 years of trading we'll be sharing even more inside knowledge and behind the scenes footage. We'll show you around our Axminster based manufacturing facility, give you the inside scoop on how we source our top quality tools and meet more of the people behind the brand.

Win

We'd love to reminisce with you. Do you have photos from an event, a machine still going strong years later or a catalogue from way back when? Share it with us for your chance to win a £50 Axminster Tools gift card. We'll choose one winner every month until the end of October 2022.

Snap It

Simply take a photo.

Tag It

Use the #AxminsterToolsTurns50 hashtag, tag @axminstertools, and upload it to one of the following;

The winner will be selected at random, each post will count as one entry and you can enter as many times as you like.

Terms & Conditions

  • Entrants under 18 will need parental or guardian permission to enter;
  • Duplicate content taken from other sites will not be allowed and will result in removal and disqualification;
  • By entering this competition, you represent and warrant that you own the content you are submitting and there are no other entities with ownership claims over it;
  • Axminster Tools employees and their immediate families are not eligible for the prize;
  • Any entries with abusive, threatening or offensive language will be removed, blocked and disqualified from the competition;
  • Once we have confirmed the winner, we will aim to deliver the prize within 7 days;
  • This promotion is not connected to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram nor is it sponsored, supported or organised by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram;
  • By entering this competition, you agree to have your name, location, photo and entry featured in the promotion of this competition and any future Axminster Tools promotional material;
  • There is no purchase necessary to enter, but standard broadband rates apply.

Axminster Tools began life 50 years ago in the rural market town of Axminster in East Devon. In an age before computers, when virtually all jobs were done manually, two sons joined their father and together they opened a high street shop. The early years were hard; the hours were long and at times it was difficult to make ends…

As part of our 50th-year celebrations, we're taking you behind the scenes to find out more about how Axminster Tools grew from a small high-street shop to the global retailer of today. We began by sharing the Axminster Tools story, as told by the family behind the business. In this latest instalment, we turn our attention to the tools.

We’ve spent the past 50 years building our family business into the renowned organisation it is today. We’re specialists who share our customers’ passion for great craftsmanship and a job well done. It's why we're committed to finding the very best tools for the job. Meet more of the people behind the business as they explain how we source the tools you need.

Made in Britain

We know that our customers want to make informed decisions about what they buy and that they’re interested in the origin and sustainability of products. Local sourcing of products plays a part in that and, as a British retailer, we're proud to support British design and quality.

We are working with a number of UK suppliers in celebration of the nation's skills and craftsmanship. To help identify which are made in the UK, we mark home-grown brands with the Union flag logo. What's more, we manufacture an increasing number of our own products in our Axminster based engineering facility in Devon, including bringing manufacturing back from overseas in many cases.

UJK Axminster Professional
Axminster Workshop Axminster Woodturning
Axcaliber Rider

Building relationships

We work hard to build great relationships with our customers, putting them at the heart of everything we do. Likewise, it's important to us that we work closely with our suppliers, building trust and loyalty from both sides. In fact, we don't think of our suppliers as suppliers but as partners. These partnerships have helped us source the very best tools for the job; through working together, sharing ideas and listening to customer feedback.

As well as supporting a number of specialist UK companies, we source products from around the world. We constantly review our partnerships to ensure we meet the high standards we set for ourselves and that our customers have come to expect.


A sustainable future

We’re constantly seeking new ways to support a sustainable environment and have a positive impact. As part of our environmental commitment, we have reduced the amount of plastic in the packaging of our own products. Our dispatch packaging is now 100% recyclable, even down to the paper tape used to seal the boxes. We're working with our suppliers to reduce the amount of plastic used in other products with the aim to eliminate single use plastic altogether. 


Hands on

We have eight stores around the UK and they are a great place to talk tools, machinery and projects with our knowledgeable experts. It's also an opportunity to get hands on with the tools. We have partners across the world who stock a large range of our own branded tools and machines so our overseas customers can get hands on too.

We've seen strong communities built around our stores and through our free online platforms and live videos. We enjoy watching these communities grow around a shared passion for woodworking and the tools that come with it.

Our 50th year

As we continue to celebrate our 50th year we'll delve deeper into the product range and take a much closer look at our Axminster based state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. We'll also meet more of the people behind the business and explore a passion for all things woodworking.

As part of our 50th-year celebrations, we’re taking you behind the scenes to find out more about how Axminster Tools grew from a small high-street shop to the global retailer of today. We began by sharing the Axminster Tools story, as told by the family behind the business. In this latest instalment, we turn our attention to the tools. We’ve…

Woodworking Wisdom November Schedule

We hate to talk about the ‘C’ word, but as it’s just around the corner, there isn’t a better time than now to dust off your tools and prepare to make someone’s Christmas. And the Woodworking Wisdom team is here to help.

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our November dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 1st Wooden and Polyester Christmas Bells 
Thursday 3rd How to Make a Wooden Advent Calendar
Tuesday 8th Turn a Wooden Gonk
Thursday 10th Make a Round Wall Mirror
Tuesday 15th How to Make a Bauble
Thursday 17th Power Carved Stool (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 22nd Scroll Saw Tree Decorations
Thursday 24th How to Make Wood Shaving Stars (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 29th Polar Express Candle Arch Project Pt 1 Turning

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It’s your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more


Giving you the Knowledge

If you're looking to beat the boredom this holiday season, the we have the projects for you!

For further festive inspiration, why not take a look around The Knowledge and explore our range of project guides for woodworkers of all ages. From slotted Christmas trees to festive wreaths, there's something for everyone.

Woodworking Wisdom November Schedule We hate to talk about the ‘C’ word, but as it’s just around the corner, there isn’t a better time than now to dust off your tools and prepare to make someone’s Christmas. And the Woodworking Wisdom team is here to help. What is YouTube Premiere? Some of our November dates have YouTube Premiere against them….

Woodworking Wisdom October Schedule

As Autumn falls and those long nights start drawing in, we're making sure you have plenty of inspiration to keep you busy doing the things you love. Catch Colwin as gets into the festive spirit as well as creating some hand sewing saviours or Jason as he shares top tips alongside demonstrating some handy tool maintenance. Not to mention Ben, who will have you under his spell with a project perfect for an enchanter. Plus, we also have an exciting guest appearance and plenty more!

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday at 3 pm UK time (BST). Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our October dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, feel free to email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 4th Making Thimbles Using Alternative Materials With Colwin
Thursday 6th Why Choose CBN Grinding Wheels With Jason
Tuesday 11th Woodcut Woodturning Tools' Special Guest Dan Hewitt
Thursday 13th Scroll Sawing A Mirror Frame With Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 18th Sharpening Tips With Colwin Way And Nick Agar (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 20th Magic Wand With A Scroll Saw Spiral Cut With Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 25th Exploring New Easy Wood Woodturning Tools With Colwin
Thursday 27th Tips For Glueing Up Perfect Panels With Jason

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It’s your one-stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

This October on Woodworking Wisdom we are making sure you have plenty of inspiration doing the things you love. See the schedule!

Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker returns to our screens for a second series on Wednesday 21st September 2022. At Axminster Tools, we see part of our role in the woodworking community as helping to ensure practical skills and knowledge are not only sustainable and protected but shared with others. When the show aired for the first time last autumn it introduced woodworking to a whole new audience; inspiring more people to get creative. So when we were asked by Plimsoll Productions, the company behind the programme, if we wanted to be involved again we were only too pleased to support the show.

About Handmade: Britain's Best Woodworker

Hosted by Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc, the first series of Handmade: Britain's Best Woodworker launched on Channel 4 in the autumn of 2021. According to Plimsoll, it drew the highest audience for a Channel 4 launch in a primetime slot in more than four years. The show follows a competition format, challenging woodworking enthusiasts to create ambitious builds. Filmed in a beautiful woodland setting, each episode centres around a ‘Big Build’. The panel of judges examine the pieces before deciding who should stay and who should leave the competition.

The Judges

This series features new expert judges, Entrepreneur and Woodworking Expert, Sophie Sellu, and Design Academic, Tom Dyckhoff. The pair scrutinise the designs, techniques and skills as the competitors are pushed to their limits, before finally crowning one winner.

The Tools

Once again Axminster Tools supplied a large number of tools and machines for the show. Included are some of our favourite Axminster own brands, some of which are made on-site at our Devon headquarters. Let us know if you spot any of your favourites in the comments below.

As seen on Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker

What's next?

In a rare move for a factual-entertainment format, Channel 4 commissioned a second and third season at the same time. So it seems as though we can look forward to series 3 next year. To catch up on the first series and missed episodes from series 2 visit Channel4.com

Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker returns to our screens for a second series on Wednesday 21st September 2022. At Axminster Tools, we see part of our role in the woodworking community as helping to ensure practical skills and knowledge are not only sustainable and protected but shared with others. When the show aired for the first time last autumn it introduced…

Her Majesty

Woodworking Wisdom September Schedule

This month we have plenty of projects and top tips to keep you busy in your workshops. Ben goes wild creating a heavenly home for our humble hedgehogs, Jason demonstrates the new Rider Shooting Board and also goes through some top tips to keep your turning tools in good condition. We take a look back at Colwin and Nick Agar‘s USA tour, as they share some useful sharpening techniques using the Tormek sharpening systems. There is also an exciting team challenge to look forward to, as we gear up to celebrate National Recycling Week. Plus loads more!

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our September dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Thursday 1st Make A Hedgehog House (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 6th Woodturning Chuck & Lathe Maintenance
Thursday 8th Planing Tips - Rider Shooting Board
Tuesday 13th POSTPONED Sharpening Tips With Colwin Way And Nick Agar (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 15th POSTPONED Shoal Of Fish Wall Art Project (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 20th Shoal Of Fish Wall Art Project (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 22nd Recycling Week - Pallet Upcycling Challenge (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 27th Coffee Scoop - Woodturning Project
Thursday 29th How To Cut Logs On A Bandsaw - Tips & Techniques (YouTube Premiere)

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It’s your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

This month on Woodworking Wisdom we have a variety of projects, tool demonstrations, and top tips to keep you busy in your workshops!

Things are hotting up in our Woodworking Wisdom Workshops this August as we focus on steam bending. Learn the process of manipulating wood and discover what you can create using this fascinating form of woodworking. Plus, look out for an exciting guest appearance as well as plenty more demos for you to enjoy!

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our August dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com.


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 2nd Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 4th Woodturned Acorn Box
Tuesday 9th Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 11th Back to School Stationery Projects with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 16th Introduction to Steam Bending Pt 1 with Jason and Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 18th Introduction to Steam Bending Pt 2 with Jason and Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 23rd Fishing Lures and Floats with Colwin
Wednesday 24th Hand Cut Dovetails with Sean Evelegh (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 25th Flexcut Carved Salad Servers with Ben
Tuesday 30th Back to Basics: Bottle Stoppers with Ben

More live videos

Woodworking Wisdom is a community for all the makers out there. You’ll get informative product videos, top tips and a wide range of project ideas for all abilities. If there’s something you want to see a video on let us know. Comment on one of our videos or email the team!

Email your suggestions


What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It’s your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

This month on Woodworking Wisdom we focus on steam bending, plus we have an exciting guest appearance and plenty more demos for you to enjoy!

Axminster Tools and Heritage Crafts are pleased to announce the launch of the first Woodworker of the Year Award as part of a new partnership formed earlier this year. There will be a gala reception this winter, where the winner will receive a prize of £2000.


About the award

This new award celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding contribution to woodworking over the past year. It recognises a maker who is far beyond the ordinary, with a proven dedication to a particular woodworking skill. The judges will be looking for the use of wood as the primary material as well as skilled hand techniques.


Meet the judges

Robin Wood MBE – Robin is an internationally respected green woodworker. In the 1990s he re-established the craft of pole-lathe bowl turning, which had been extinct in the UK since 1958. His extensive research into the history of the craft led to the publication of his definitive book on the history of the wooden bowl. He now manufactures axes and spoon knives for other green woodworkers, and organises Spoonfest – the international celebration of spoon carving.

Photo by Paul Felix

Robin Wood

Sarah Goss – Sarah is a traditional woodcarver who featured as the expert of the recent Prince’s Master Crafters: The Next Generation television programme on Sky Arts. Sarah studied Restoration and Decorative Studies at Portsmouth University where she graduated with a first class honours degree before going on to become a full-time carver. She specialises in bespoke hand-carved items ranging from lettering and relief decoration to architectural details such as corbel brackets and ceiling roses.

Sarah Goss

Alan Styles – Alan is Managing Director of Axminster Tools where we share our customers’ passion for great craftsmanship. Having spent the past 50 years working with makers and creators, we understand the importance of preserving traditional craft skills. Likewise, we’re committed to promoting and encouraging practical skills so that appreciation for woodworking continues through generations to come.

Alan Styles

"As we celebrate 50 years of trading we've found ourselves looking back at our own heritage. So much has changed and yet our roots remain firmly embedded in a passion for woodworking. We see part of our role in the woodworking community as helping to ensure practical skills and knowledge are not only sustainable and protected but shared with others. We believe the benefits of celebrating and encouraging craft skills are far-reaching. So, we're delighted to partner with Heritage Crafts on the Woodworker of the Year Award."

Alan Styles

How to enter

The award is open to makers of any craft that uses wood as its primary material. To be eligible, over 50 per cent of the solid volume of the objects you make must be wood. Anyone, including the maker themselves, can nominate for this award.

Nominations close on Friday 2 September 2022 at 5pm.

Axminster Tools and Heritage Crafts are pleased to announce the launch of the first Woodworker of the Year Award as part of a new partnership formed earlier this year. There will be a gala reception this winter, where the winner will receive a prize of £2000. About the award This new award celebrates a heritage craftsperson who has made an outstanding…

Woodworking Wisdom July Schedule

We have a couple of guest appearances for you this month on Woodworking Wisdom. We will be taking a look back at this year’s Makers Central with a demo from Out of the Woodwork Podcast host, Sean Evelegh. And Stuart Kelly from Rubio Monocoat will be joining Jason live to answer your questions. Plus, fantastic demos from your favourite Woodworking Wisdom presenters!

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our July dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active for viewers to chat, and if you have a question for the team, email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com

Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 5th DIY Wedding Table Decorations with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 6th Rubio Monocoat Children's Building Blocks with Jason and Guest Stuart Kelly
Thursday 7th Maker's Central Special with Guest Sean Evelegh (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 12th Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 13th Glueing Tips and Techniques with Jason and Ben
Thursday 14th Turning Lighthouse Salt Mills with Jason
Tuesday 19th Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 20th Woodturning Pen and Project Kits with Ben
Thursday 21st Vices Explained with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 26th Turned 'Bird Box' with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 27th Back to Basics: Planer Thicknessers with Jason and Ben
Thursday 28th Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)

More live videos

Woodworking Wisdom is a community for all the makers out there. You’ll get informative product videos, top tips and a wide range of project ideas for all abilities. If there's something you want to see a video on let us know. Comment on one of our videos or email the team!

Email your suggestions


What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

Woodworking Wisdom July Schedule We have a couple of guest appearances for you this month on Woodworking Wisdom. We will be taking a look back at this year’s Makers Central with a demo from Out of the Woodwork Podcast host, Sean Evelegh. And Stuart Kelly from Rubio Monocoat will be joining Jason live to answer your questions. Plus, fantastic demos…

Colwin is off to the USA and he's taking Axminster Woodturning with him!

Visiting some iconic woodturning spots, together with his good friend and Professional Turner, Nick Agar, the pair are traveling across 18 states, meeting turners along the way. Alongside meeting some well known turners, Colwin and Nick will be demonstrating their own turning skills and showcasing some key Axminster Woodturning lines.


Don’t miss out on their epic journey!

Take a look below at where they’ll be stopping. Make sure to follow us on Instagram to keep up to date with where they are.

Colwin Way Axminster Woodturning USA Tour Map

Woodworking Wisdom

He may be in the States but don't worry you can still catch Colwin's demos on our Woodworking Wisdoms! Join us every Tuesday for an American surprise!

Colwin Way and Nick Agar head to the USA with Axminster Woodturning! They’ll be demonstrating and meeting well known turners along the way…

Woodworking Wisdom June Schedule

With The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Father’s Day this month, we have lots of project inspiration to keep you busy in June. The team will also be hosting a special live Q&A to answer all your burning workshop questions.

Got a question for the team? Email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com and have your questions answered live. 

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our June dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time and the live comment chat function will be active for you to chat to friends and like-minded woodworking enthusiasts.

Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Wednesday 1st Wood Carving Chisel Sharpening with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 2nd Jubilee Peg Dolls with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 7th Turned Spinning Tops with Colwin
Wednesday 8th Makers Central Special with Guest Helen Bailey (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 9th Peanut Mini Jig overview with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 14th Workshop Q&A Live with Colwin, Ben and Jason
Wednesday 15th Father's Day Workshop Signs with Ben
Thursday 16th How to Make a Tie Rack with Jason
Tuesday 21st Chromacraft Live from USA with Colwin
Wednesday 22nd Pen Making Top Tips and Technique with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 23rd Thread Chasing Overview with Jason
Tuesday 28th Log Vases (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 29th Pyrography Folding Cube with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 30th Axminster Woodturning on Tour in the USA with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)

What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

Woodworking Wisdom June Schedule With The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Father’s Day this month, we have lots of project inspiration to keep you busy in June. The team will also be hosting a special live Q&A to answer all your burning workshop questions. Got a question for the team? Email woodworkingwisdom@axminstertools.com and have your questions answered live. What is YouTube Premiere?…

Axminster Tools and Heritage Crafts are delighted to announce a brand new partnership featuring a new Woodworker of the Year award. Launching later this summer, the award aims to celebrate British woodworking.

Heritage Crafts

Heritage Crafts is the UK charity set up in 2010 to support and safeguard traditional craft skills. The charity now has a membership of more than 1,200 makers. It does vital work advocating on behalf of the heritage crafts sector to policymakers and politicians. Furthermore, it raises awareness of the importance of craft skills through projects. For instance, The Red List of Endangered Crafts and the President’s Award for Endangered Crafts, set up by the charity’s President, HRH The Prince of Wales.


A shared passion

At Axminster Tools, we share our customers' passion for great craftsmanship. Having spent the past 50 years working with makers and creators, we understand the importance of preserving traditional craft skills. Likewise, we're committed to promoting and encouraging practical skills so that appreciation for woodworking continues through generations to come.

We see part of our role in the woodworking community as helping to ensure practical skills and knowledge are not only sustainable and protected but shared with others. Built from industry professionals, craftspeople and passionate woodworkers, our teams work hard to ensure that their knowledge is freely accessible to all. We believe the benefits of celebrating and encouraging craft skills are far-reaching. Hence, we’re delighted to partner with Heritage Crafts.

Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)

A future for crafts

Along with the new Woodworker of the Year award, Heritage Crafts and Axminster Tools will be collaborating on a range of other exciting initiatives to be announced in due course.

We are thrilled to be working with Axminster Tools on this partnership, continuing to lift the profile of woodworking skills as part of the UK’s cultural life and economy. Axminster Tools’ support for skills at all levels fits perfectly with our vision of a healthy and viable ‘craft skills ecology’; providing a range of fulfilling careers and pastimes for the next generation.

Daniel Carpenter (Director, Heritage Crafts)

Axminster Tools and Heritage Crafts are delighted to announce a brand new partnership featuring a new Woodworker of the Year award. Launching later this summer, the award aims to celebrate British woodworking. Heritage Crafts Heritage Crafts is the UK charity set up in 2010 to support and safeguard traditional craft skills. The charity now has a membership of more than…

Woodworking Wisdom May Schedule

We have a real mixture of demos lined up for you in our May schedule for Woodworking Wisdom. From bowls to goblets, pocket hole joinery to knife sharpening, there’s something for everyone.

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our May dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active and an Axminster team member will be on hand to answer all your stock questions.

Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 3rd You, Your Lathe and the Bowl with Jason
Wednesday 4th Makers Central Special with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 5th Makers Central Special with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 10th Kintsugi Bowl with Cowlin (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 11th UJK Coat Rack with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 12th Knife Sharpening with Jason
Tuesday 17th Finishing Q&A with Colwin
Wednesday 18th Small Jewellery Box Pt.1 with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 19th Small Jewellery Box Pt. 2 with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 24th Turn a Twisted Goblet with Colwin
Wednesday 25th Lino Print and Flexcut with Ben
Thursday 26th Small Jewellery Box Pt. 3 with Jason (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 31st Candle Tealight Holders with Colwin

What do you want to see?

We love coming up with new ideas to share with you, but we enjoy bringing you the things YOU want to see, even more! Got an idea for a project, or want to know more about a particular woodworking tip, technique or tool, then tell us!

I have an idea!


What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

Woodworking Wisdom May Schedule We have a real mixture of demos lined up for you in our May schedule for Woodworking Wisdom. From bowls to goblets, pocket hole joinery to knife sharpening, there’s something for everyone. What is YouTube Premiere? Some of our May dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live but recorded as live. They will…

Listen to our new podcast, Out of the Woodwork - bringing you inspiring stories and conversation from woodworkers who share our passion for all things woodwork.


Meet your host

Join host Sean Evelegh in our first podcast series, as he talks to leaders, creators, educators, philanthropists and artists, bringing you conversations on all the big topics as well as inspirational stories, chat and more.

Sean is a young, innovative designer and fine woodworker from Kent. After graduating from Rycotewood Furniture Making College, he set up his own furniture workshop. He also has a popular YouTube channel where he shares woodworking tips, projects and tool reviews.

His passion for creating beautiful wooden furniture embraces the whole process; from milling the tree to applying the final coat of finish. He has a deep understanding of the capabilities of different wood species and incorporates the natural beauty of the wood in his designs.

Sean describes himself as a creator of modern pieces, using traditional methods, but he always looks to push the boundaries.

It was such a thrill hosting the podcast and chatting with inspirational craftspeople. I hope these conversations will inspire and teach makers as well as encourage the younger generation to start making, especially the ones who don’t have access to a workshop at school.

Sean Evelegh

How to listen

Get the latest episodes from Out of the Woodwork straight to your phone. Out of the Woodwork can be found on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts , Amazon Music. Simply search ‘Out of the Woodwork’ and hit follow or subscribe. For more places to listen and subscribe, go to our podcast website for more listening platforms.

You can read about our guests each week on our dedicated podcast page right here on The Knowledge and watch our podcast interviews on YouTube, simply subscribe to our YouTube channel to find the latest episodes and keep up to date on new video releases. We will be releasing our first podcast episode on Friday, April 29th.


Get in touch

We would love to hear from you. If you love our new podcast, join the conversation online on our social media page. Search @Axminstertools on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and say hello!

Listen to our new podcast, Out of the Woodwork – bringing you inspiring stories and conversation from woodworkers who share our passion for all things woodwork. Meet your host Join host Sean Evelegh in our first podcast series, as he talks to leaders, creators, educators, philanthropists and artists, bringing you conversations on all the big topics as well as inspirational…

Woodworking Wisdom April Schedule

Spring is in the air and we have great Woodworking Wisdom demos lined up to inspire this month. We have Spring flowers and a two part special turning a sunset bowl with Colwin, and Ben will be pyrographing a garden sign. Looking for something more technical? Jason will be talking you through all things drill bits and router cutters.

Plus, we have a special guest lined up with Pontus Gyllby from Tormek joining the team for a one off demo. Don’t miss it!

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

What is YouTube Premiere?

Some of our April dates have YouTube Premiere against them. These are not live, but are recorded as live. They will go out on the normal days at the same time. The live comment chat function will be active and an Axminster team member will be on hand to answer all your stock questions.


Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 5th Door making using Stile and Rail Cutters with Jason
Wednesday 6th Scroll Saw Bowl with Ben
Thursday 7th Bowl Embellishing with Colwin
Tuesday 12th Easter Flowers with Colwin
Wednesday 13th Pyrography 'Scrabble' Signs with Ben (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 14th Drill Bit Tips and Techniques with Jason
Tuesday 19th Sunset Bowl Pt. 1 with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Wednesday 20th Sunset Bowl Pt. 2 with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Thursday 21st Sunset Bowl Pt. 3 with Colwin (YouTube Premiere)
Tuesday 26th Garden Tool Handles with Colwin
Wednesday 27th Pyrography Garden Signs with Ben
Thursday 28th Tormek Special with Pontus Gyllby

More live videos

Woodworking Wisdom is a community for all the makers out there. You’ll get informative product videos, top tips and a wide range of project ideas for all abilities. If there's something you want to see a video on let us know. Comment on one of our videos or email the team!

Email your suggestions


What is Woodworking Wisdom?

It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

Find out more

Woodworking Wisdom April Schedule Spring is in the air and we have great Woodworking Wisdom demos lined up to inspire this month. We have Spring flowers and a two part special turning a sunset bowl with Colwin, and Ben will be pyrographing a garden sign. Looking for something more technical? Jason will be talking you through all things drill bits…

It's no secret that our planet is in crisis. It's already impacting people's health; drought and less fresh water mean it's harder to grow food. Some people say the climate has always changed and there is some truth in that. Yet, it's the rate of change that's the problem here. If we don't act now our quality of life and health are at risk.

Our commitment to change

Here at Axminster Tools, we’re always looking for new ways to support a sustainable environment and have a positive impact. It’s our vision to create a global woodworking community so we all have a place to share our passion for making and creating. With that comes a responsibility to ensure that building our community doesn't come at the expense of the environment. As a retailer delivering worldwide, it can be hard to measure our impact. So it's challenging to know where we can make the most positive change. That said, we do choose change and we want to be part of the solution, not the problem. To help us on our journey we've partnered with Planet Mark, a sustainability certification that works passionately with organisations to empower their people to build a brighter future.


What's happening now?

Planet Mark is helping us measure some of the positive changes we've already made. We manufacture an increasing number of own branded products in our Devon based engineering facility. In many cases, this has brought manufacturing back from overseas. We're working to eliminate single use plastics from our packaging and our headquarters have been operating on a zero to landfill basis since 2014. Furthermore, we switched our energy supplier so that the energy we use is 100% renewable.

We know that our customers want to make informed decisions about what they buy. Likewise, they’re interested in the origin and sustainability of products. As a British retailer, we're proud to support British design and quality. We're also conscious of the environmental benefits of manufacturing here in the UK. Labelling our British made products with a Made In Britain badge has made it easier for customers to make responsible choices.

Axminster Woodturning chucks and jaws
Axminster Woodturning chucks and jaws

What happens next?

We strive to always put our customers first, ensuring that they get the most from their experience with us. That includes sharing what we learn. Teaming up with organisations such as The Sylva Wood Foundation and Grown in Britain is helping us to consider our use of sustainable timber. We're hopeful that we can use this knowledge to help with carbon removal. We will, of course, share what we learn with our customers, suppliers and communities to support them in making their own choices.

Once our measurements have been certified, working together with Planet Mark, we'll create a plan to reduce our carbon emissions. We'll share that too - because we can't do it alone.

We're thrilled to be joining the Planet Mark community, furthering our commitment to sustainability by creating a plan that has a positive impact on society and the environment. We will be measuring and reducing our carbon footprint to ensure that we are embedding sustainability at every stage of our product's lifecycle. We're keen to share what we learn so that we can all move towards a brighter future.

Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)

It is our belief we must work together to embrace change and protect the environment; to build a future for our people and for the planet. What changes will you make?

To learn more about Planet Mark and how they work with businesses to plan for the future visit: planetmark.com

It’s no secret that our planet is in crisis. It’s already impacting people’s health; drought and less fresh water mean it’s harder to grow food. Some people say the climate has always changed and there is some truth in that. Yet, it’s the rate of change that’s the problem here. If we don’t act now our quality of life and…

Woodworking Wisdom March Schedule

We are answering all the important questions this month on Woodworking Wisdom.

So, if you don’t know your gouge from your gauge, you’d better tune in to Jason’s demos later this month. And if you want to know about Arbortech and power carving, then Ben’s your man. Not forgetting plenty of project inspiration from the entire Woodworking Wisdom team.

How to watch

We’ll bring you live sessions over on our YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3pm UK time. Simply subscribe to our YouTube channel and never miss a video. Can’t make the live stream? Don’t worry, they’ll be available on our YouTube channel to watch whenever you like!

Subscribe now

Your Woodworking Wisdom Schedule

Date Session
Tuesday 1st Square Bowl with Colwin
Wednesday 2nd Mini Skate/Fingerboards with Ben
Thursday 3rd Japanese Hand Tools with Jason
Tuesday 8th Penguins with Colwin
Wednesday 9th Scroll Saw Castles Pt 2 with Ben
Thursday 10th Black and Gold Bowl with Jason
Tuesday 15th Hollow Forms and Woodcut with Colwin
Wednesday 16th Arbortech Q&A with Ben
Thursday 17th Veritas Honing Guides with Jason
Tuesday 22nd Bird House Ornaments with Colwin
Wednesday 23rd Scroll Saw Lantern with Ben
Thursday 24th What Gouge? with Jason
Tuesday 29th Mechanical pencils with Ben
Wednesday 30th Pencil Crayon project with Colwin
Thursday 31st What Gauge? With Jason

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It's your one stop woodworking video destination. With four dedicated workshops covering woodturning, machinery, hand tools, and craft. Each workshop is jammed full of the latest tools, all under the control of our resident woodworking experts.

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Woodworking Wisdom March Schedule We are answering all the important questions this month on Woodworking Wisdom. So, if you don’t know your gouge from your gauge, you’d better tune in to Jason’s demos later this month. And if you want to know about Arbortech and power carving, then Ben’s your man. Not forgetting plenty of project inspiration from the entire…

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